Elton attacks 'censorship' in US

Seems Elton John is accusing the US of 'censorship' In an article posted by the BBC, old Elton goes off on a diatribe against Americans exercising their right to free speech, simply because it does not meet with his approval. Well Elton, here is a definition of censorship;

Main Entry: cen·sor·ship
Function: noun
: the institution, system, or practice of censoring

Now no where in your little diatribe do I see anything remotely close to this definition. Do you mean that Americans exercising their right of free speech is censorship? Below is the article from the BBC. I will be adding my own comments, which will be, as usual, will be in Navy blue. - Sailor

BBC News

Elton attacks 'censorship' in US

Elton John has said stars are scared to speak out against war in Iraq because of "bullying tactics" used by the US government to hinder free speech.
"There's an atmosphere of fear in America right now that is deadly. Everyone is too career-conscious," he told New York magazine, Interview.

Sir Elton said performers could be "frightened by the current administration's bullying tactics",

The singer likened the current "fear factor" to McCarthyism in the 1950s.

Well Elton, what Administration bullying tactics? There have been none. Your cronies on the Left have and continue to exercise their right to free speech, but this time other Americans, who do not agree with them have exercised their right to free speech. That is hardly McCartyism, since McCarthy was a duly elected Senator. This is just other Americans voicing their disagreement with your left wing pals.


"There was a moment about a year ago when you couldn't say a word about anything in this country for fear of your career being shot down by people saying you are un-American," he told the magazine.

So Elton, because these Americans do not agree with the left, they should just shut up? Now who wants censorship? Strikes me as you do, Elton.

The singer said things were different in the 1960s.

"People like Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, The Beatles and Pete Seeger were constantly writing and talking about what was going on.

Backlash

"That's not happening now. As of this spring, there have been virtually no anti-war concerts - or anti-war songs that catch on, for that matter," he said.

He voiced concern that it appeared acceptable to speak out if you were pro-Bush, using the example of country singer Toby Keith, but not if you were critical of the President, as in the case of country rock band, the Dixie Chicks.

"On the one hand, you have someone like Toby Keith, who has come out and been very supportive of the Bush administration and the war in Iraq - which is OK because America is a democracy and Toby Keith is entitled to say what he thinks and feels.

"But, on the other hand, the Dixie Chicks got shot down in flames last year for criticizing the president. They were treated like they were being un-American, when in fact they have every right to say whatever they want about him because he's freely elected, and therefore accountable."


Both Toby Keith and the Dixie Chicks exercised their rights to free speech. Other Americans did as well. No one from the government came down on or in any way tried to silence the Dixie Chicks. So what you are really saying is that only those that agree with your world view have the right to free speech. Elton?

Sir Elton is currently in New York playing a series of concerts.

Let me lay this out for you Sir Elton. In America, everyone has the right to speak their mind. Your cronies on the left have and now other Americans have as well. Just because you do not like what these regular Americans have to say, does not make it censorship. It is obvious to me, you think only those that agree with you should be permitted to speak out.

Let me tell you some thing, for years the left has believed it was only their right to speak out, to protest and to espouse their socialist agenda. Those days are gone. It started with Conservative Talk Radio. At first, your bosom buddies on the left tried to laugh it off as a fad. Then, as Talk Radio grew in size and popularity, the left tried to disparage it and those who listened. That did not work, so the left tried it's hand at it creating Air America. Well Air America is about to go the way of the dinosaur. You know why it is failing, Elton? It is failing because all it has is the same old socialist nonsense and pure venom. You see Sir Elton, that dog just won't hunt anymore. It has no ideas, no open debate, just a washed up comedy writer and his underlings bashing away.

In 2000, the Right made you and the left wet your pants. They actually took to the streets to protest. Conservatives in suits and ties, in khakis and jeans took a page from your left wing book. It scares you to your core. Well listen up, the Right will no longer be docile, will no longer be quiet. We will be vocal, we will be in the streets and unlike the left, we will be peaceful.

You see Elton, the world has changed. No longer is information the strangle hold of the left wing media. You know them....the NY Times, Washington Post, ABC, CBS, NBC and yes even your beloved BBC. There are now other outlets to get the truth out, not just what you and the left want to get out. They can no longer distort the facts or ignore them totally. The times they are a changing to quote Bob Dylan.

Your day is gone Sir Elton. We are there now. We will be in your face to take you all to task. No more will we be silent. Be afraid, Elton, be very afraid. The truth will be heard, whether you and the left like it or not.

Sailor